**Parliamentary Reforms Bring Changes to Georgia’s Parliament**
In a move to streamline parliamentary procedures, several instruments will be abolished in the Georgian parliament. The changes come as a result of new regulations that have been approved by the parliamentary majority.
One of the notable changes is the discontinuation of “Minister‘s Hour,” an annual event where government members would report on their work and answer questions from deputies. According to the parliament, this mechanism was found to be ineffective in ensuring parliamentary control. Instead, the new regulations will increase the frequency of interpellations, allowing parliamentarians to question government members or other accountable individuals during weekly plenary sessions.
**Abolition of Permanent Councils**
In addition to the changes mentioned above, the permanent parliamentary councils for open governance, child rights protection, and gender equality will also be abolished. These councils functioned in a consultative format but were performing functions that were similar to those of committees, which was not in line with their legal status.
According to Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, new regulations have refined the norms for the operation of temporary commissions, allowing important public issues to be studied using this instrument. This change aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary work.
**Changes to Committees**
The institution of thematic investigations in Parliament will also be abolished under the new regulations. Additionally, committees will no longer be required to work on action plans, which had been their annual obligation. The appointment of a thematic reporter for draft laws will now depend on committee decisions.
**What’s Next?**
The new regulations are expected to come into effect on July 1, 2025. Once enforced, the current 2018 regulations will be declared null and void. These changes aim to bring about more efficient and effective parliamentary procedures in Georgia.
As an expert, I would say that these reforms demonstrate a commitment to improving the parliamentary system in Georgia. By streamlining processes and eliminating ineffective mechanisms, the parliament aims to enhance its ability to hold the government accountable and address important public issues.